Long gone are the days of choosing a single solitaire to propose.
As the modern bride sways from tradition with micro weddings and minimal dresses on the rise, engagement rings are swiftly following suit.
On the search for something a little different from the shelves, coloured diamonds are playing the lead role in many a love story.
In fact, a recent survey conducted by Kiwi jewellery haven, Nolan & Vada, discovered that 40% of women in New Zealand would prefer a coloured sapphire over the classic diamond.
A desire for ethically-sourced, handcrafted jewels also proved important when asked to consider their perfect ring.
From romantic peach sapphires to the enduring allure of the peridot, feast your eyes upon the coloured stone engagement rings Together Journal loves below.
Cushla Whiting custom designs
Cushla Whiting is a fine jeweller creating elegant and unique designs. Combining beauty and function, each piece of Cushla Whiting Jewellery is crafted for wear over a lifetime.
Cushla is a talented jewellery designer and Hamish (one of the siblings and founders) is a GIA Gemologist and HRD Antwerp diamond grader with an unparalleled passion for his trade, evident by our incredible collection of gemstones.
Below we have a freeform sapphire balanced by a petite diamond cluster.
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A bespoke solitaire style ring made in 18 karat yellow gold, holding a 1.81 carat asymmetrical, freeform, teal, Australian, unheated sapphire, with an asymmetric cluster of round brilliant diamonds. ⠀
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This is a custom design and cannot be purchased. But the clever team at Cushla Whiting can design something equally beautiful and unique just for you.
Trailblazers in engagement ring design, Zoe & Morgan is sure to have exactly what you’ve been daydreaming about.
The name ‘Holos’ derives from Ancient Greek and translates to ‘whole’. Designed to symbolise the communion of two souls, the engagement sparkler is cut from yellow gold with an ocean blue sapphire at its heart.
Handcrafted by some of Australia’s most skilled jewellers, Sydney-based Grew & Co strikes the perfect harmony between tradition and modernity with playful hues and one-of-a-kind diamonds.
The ‘Freya Peach’ is one for the fashion-forward bride. Its 1.55ct peach sapphire is framed by tapered baguette white diamonds on a slick yellow gold band.
Partridge Jewellers ‘Yellow Radiant’
Family-run business, Partridge Jewellers, has played cupid in love stories around the world for over six generations.
The 13ct ‘Yellow Radiant’ ring is a mighty fine example of what’s behind the glass. The engagement piece features a majestic yellow diamond in its centre alongside two trapezoid sparklers. A match made in heaven.
Jewellers Workshop has been fashioning jewellery on Auckland’s high street since 1987 with its open-plan workshop encouraging couples to share their engagement dreams with the team.
Inspired by the romance of nature, the ‘Bea’ reflects the bride’s departure from tradition with butterfly-effect diamonds hugging the gemstone. Delicate millgrain surrounding the stones gives the modern ring a vintage feel.
Julia DeVille ‘Bone Ring Elizabeth Poison’
Artist-turned-taxidermist, Julia DeVille, is a true romantic and continued to celebrate love in the midst of a pandemic – collaborating with clients over the airwaves.
The ‘Bone Ring Elizabeth Poison’ is just one fine example of the Melbourne mastermind at work.
Inspired by Greek goddess Aphrodite and her turtledove, both striking symbols of love, the 9ct rose gold ring boasts a cluster of Peridots – which the Egyptians lovingly referred to as the ‘gem of the sun’.
James & Iris ‘Astra’
‘Partners in both life and art’, Melbourne-based design duo, James and Iris, spend their days crafting the Australian opal into more modern jewellery pieces.
The ‘Astra’ features a natural opal flanked by teardrop white diamonds and the jewellery house’s signature meteorites. Set in 14k yellow gold and hand-wrought, this is a truly one-of-a-kind piece worthy of the big “I do”.
Sutcliffe Jewellery ‘New Season Delight’
With experience working in the heart of London’s jewellery haven, Hatton Garden, New Zealander, Brent Sutcliffe, is well-versed in the fine art of engagement ring design.
Inspired by summer blooms, ‘New Season Delight’ boasts a sparkly 3.74ct peach spinel cradled between two pear-shaped diamond leaves. The perfect excuse for a spring proposal.
Born out of a lifelong love for family heirlooms and long lost treasures, New Zealand jewellery house Coco Florence is the answer to your ‘something old’, ‘something new’…
One for the bride hoping for a timeless yet striking design, the ‘Esme’ 18ct ring is handmade and boasts a pear-shaped diamond in glorious yellow.
Cameron Jewellery ‘Natural Pink Spinel and Baguette’
Since 1984, the Cameron Jewellery team has been working tirelessly from their Palmerston North workshop to produce dazzling designs.
Handmade, the ‘Natural Pink Spinel and Baguette’ ring is sure to catch the eye of brides-to-be courtesy of its Art Deco feel.
“Why didn’t you consider a coloured engagement ring?” This was the question that sparked the launch of jewellery house, Nolan and Vada, after the couple realised a gap in the market for beautiful coloured gemstone engagement rings.
The ‘Three Stone’ is one for romantics with a 1.17ct oval peach sapphire sitting pretty on a rose gold band.
With humble beginnings in her parent’s garage back in 2013, Hannah Stewart’s jewellery line, HLSK, now boasts a cult following – and rightly so.
Each piece is lovingly handcrafted in the brand’s Melbourne studio using ethically-sourced materials. The ‘Maisie’ reflects the beauty in this practice.
An oval bi-coloured sapphire – which will change colour in the light – sits in the centre of a 14ct yellow gold band and is complimented by four white diamonds. One for the fashion magpie.
Holly Ryan ‘Gold Marquise’
Dedicated to sustainable practices, Australian artist Holly Ryan sources recycled metals and ethical stones for her designs.
The ‘Gold Marquise’ is steeped in history, as the cut pays reference to 18th century France. But the minimal band and 1ct stone, which can be customised to include an emerald or sapphire, means it’ll stack nicely alongside your everyday jewels.
Words by Danielle Fowler
